Tap your Steering Box for Hydro Assist

[@bleepinjeep]

Dont feel like it's worth the trouble, let us modify your box: bit.ly/2kaZ8Lq

[@thelonewrangler1008]

My favorite part of this channel is how it's produced so much informative info that I regularly go back and watch old vids for guidance

[@roninoffroad6252]

I know this is a couple years old, but don't feel bad about that shade tree bottoming tap 'Other' Matt. I'm a machinist and that's how we make them! Good video! For those wondering what a bottoming tap is... There are a few threads on the bottom of a tap that are called leads. They are smaller then the rest of the threads and they help to start the tap in the hole. The problem with that, is then you can't get full thread size all the way in the bottom of the hole. A bottoming tap will only have 1 to 1.5 'lead' threads, so your bolt/plug will go all the way to the bottom of the hole. They are normally used on a blind hole (a hole with a bottom). I've never seen them used on a through hole, or any NPT, but we use thread gages for NPT holes to show how deep to take the tap for a proper seal. Thread gages are expensive, so you wouldn't need them for a home shop.

[@unclemonkey7001]

technical tip for you younger generation. when taping the hole put some grease on the tap and you won't have so much metal shavings where you don't want them.

[@bricekendall6284]

Very informative video! I like how detailed you are on the little things that some newbies wouldn't think of.

[@francisbrackney2061]

Transmission assembly grease works well for steering box rebuilding. And it eliminates the possibly of getting a clog from sludge. High temp grease lubricates well, but it can create sludge sometimes because it doesn't melt down as much.

[@CurtisDrew1]

I like to wrap splines with electrical tape, then a little grease or oil before I push a splined shaft through a rubber shaft seal. Then the tape will pull off real easy. (tip: wrap the sahft with the tape closest to the seal area first then overwrap the tape out on the shaft. ) I leave a little tip of the tap folded over and stuck to itself to make a tab to pull the tape off once the shaft is through the seal No way to scratch the seal this way..

[@jesterjack6179]

I just love the way you Jack your self up thanks for putting a smile on my face

[@bleepinjeep]

Not sure about gun taps. In this video we are just tapping the box, I still have to install a ram which will force the tires left or right. The downside is there will be more stuff that can break/leak/explode.

[@codymoncrief8478]

As a random, somewhat relevant neat thing, some 1960-70ish gm medium duty trucks (c50-c70) had one Saginaw box that was tapped for hydro assist, then an entire second box on the other side of the frame that ran off of the hydro assist lines from the first box, giving double-power to the steering system

[@Thestockxj96]

Does the hydro assist in theory take less horsepower from the engine because of the higher pressure making it easier to turn? 👀🤔

[@LordNelsonsTrousers]

Awesome vid, thank you and the other Matt for sharing your knowledge, it's hugely appreciated, keep the great vids coming :)

[@Dino30ish]

Did you ever take a video of installing this box with a hydro assist setup ?

[@Dino30ish]

I have been looking into this and I have a couple questions .. On the lower cap of the box and on the top cap for the sector shaft . I have seen both of these areas also used for a hydro assist system .. Is there a benefit to taping the actual box vs the 2 caps that can easily be replaced if something happens ? I know a company used to make a replacement lower (piston ) cap that was setup for assist this is what brings my question up ...

[@bajasandboard7458]

this Mod Is great ...beside Learning how to fix the Steering Box..

[@Nik-ok9nu]

The 7/16" pilot hole is reccomended for a reason. I would suggest using the appropriate drill size. If you only have a 27/64" or 29/64" bit, you can get away with either. But, no reason to not use the appropriate sized bit.

[@chefdan87]

I think we have all played with floor jacks in this manner at one time or another. Lol

[@TheDanguruss]

Is there a way to tap it with out taking the whole thing apart? I have a brand new Durango box and would like to add the hydro assist.

[@Carman-2012]

Nice job Matt😎

[@ITSNOTMEITISYOU]

@14:40 in this is why I require a hard hat in my shop Matt

[@RasAbramJJ]

Hi. Love the video, I can see you're a master at this. How quick can you prepare one for a Jeep Cherokee WJ 2002 model. And how soon can we get it here in Jamaica after we make the payment?

[@JohnnyJ50f]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Now I'm not so afraid to tackle this job. You make it so simple to follow along!!! When re-installing the ball-bearings, do you start with a small or larger ball first? And the last 8, are they too installed as you did into the worm gear (small, large, small, large, etc)?

[@markottinger]

Great info! You tamed the dreaded worm gear 👍

[@southBAYstruts]

Do you have a video of the hydro assist being put on?

[@bleepinjeep]

Sorry, I wouldn't be able to handle living in a communist state. I'm in TN

[@MrMrsregor]

when reinstalling the ball bearings, you say to alternate ball bearing sizes as you put them back in... do you start with the shinny one or the nickle finish one? the small one or the big one? or will it not matter ?

[@jeefcherky]

Hey Matt, long ago You did this video, I’ve got most of the parts, it I was hoping you could help with the fittings you used, I’m piecing the project together rather than buying a kit. Any insight appreciated. Thanks

[@bleepinjeep]

Any saginaw box should be the same or very similar

[@mahousel]

That would be awesome bc I live in pa too. Anyway so to things. One those "bottoming taps" are they the same as gun taps? And second what would, if any the drawback of doing this conversion. I mean your doing this conversion to add steering power so u can run a bigger wheel setup right?

[@MadMaxMovie]

makes sense. Thanks for the info and reply - much appreciated. My pump does 2000 psi so I'm hoping it will provide plenty of flow and pressure to enable decently quick steering.

[@TatiMags]

Can you do that to 1951 Mercury gear box

[@bleepinjeep]

congrats!

[@josh-yp1dx]

Can I ask just because I’m confused. Why is it you need to tap the box rather than just do a tee off of your current steering box lines ? Would that not supply proper fluid to the ram ?

[@Nik-ok9nu]

You cannot "tee" off of your existing lines. One is high pressure all the time, while the other is a low pressure return line. Neither are what you want/need for hydro assist. You need to tap into the steering gear (box) in one place that is pressurized when turning left, and another when turning right. A MUCH easier way is to simply tap the two aluminum caps. Each receive pressure while turning R/L, plus you are tapping the caps OFF of/away from the box, so you run no risk of getting metal shavings in your system.

[@chrispowell6673]

@@Nik-ok9nu I was thinking about that myself when I do my hydro assist on my xj. Even though I'm gonna strip the box and rebuild it, I think I like the idea of tapping the caps. I wonder about clearance on the front cap though

[@301steady]

In that jack scene, what is that round object in your back pocket?

[@Thunderhead7SMKR]

Great Mod, I'm still not sure if I want to go this direction, still looking at doing the Durango Mod.

[@BigFrogs4x4]

How did it go? I just bought the Durango box and wj pump. What all parts did you need to install?

[@bleepinjeep]

havent put it on yet.

[@timspellman8338]

I would like to do this steering modification, but I am having difficulty finding a rebuild kit for the JK steering box. can you help me locate the kit or parts. I have a steering box ready to start project.

[@bleepinjeep]

email us... there are two boxes. the delphi one is the only rebuildable one

[@timspellman8338]

@@bleepinjeep not sure if the one I have is a delphi or not. I believe its a stock box seem to be pn 68052897ae

[@MadMaxMovie]

I'm getting ready to rebuild/tap my box, and I wanted to ask if you had any insight on how to increase the flow through the gearbox to have decently fast steering with the rams tapped in? Can the input and output fitting be opened up to -8 AN, or by using -8 AN fittings to power the rams? Thoughts? Thanks - great video.

[@boondock54x4]

Been wondering the same thing. -8AN

[@lol123321123321]

If you're gonna go as far as you have to tear the gear box apart you may as well replace the roller bearing on the sector shaft. Maybe that's just me lol

[@stevekittle7562]

Is this from a JK? and where can I source the rebuild and/or seal kit?

[@josephallen9972]

Do you still offer this an if so how much?

[@thedobermangang3503]

GOOD VIDEO MY BROTHER

[@zxrmuzzy]

Awesome video

[@dirtdiggler751]

I'm confused. You use a 29/64" to make the final hole but do you use the 7/16-18 tap or use a larger tap?

[@hawksiamable]

Because he is using the wrong style tap. Flat tap is what he made. I just drilled mine 7/16 and works fine.

[@leviwisecup1046]

Nice video. thank you.

[@omarwjaljubory7870]

2002 and nice job bro

[@austinadventure]

I'm having major issues trying to get the aluminum end cap off?! the set ring is removed and I can't get the cap off, I've been trying to tap the metal bearing sleeve mechanical part that is remaining in the box outwards to move the cap and it isn't budging on bit? any tips? the box is completely disassembled so I can't get the balls back in easily

[@sywco6838]

propane torch

[@MoralConflict]

Why were you using a hammer drill? Just for funzies?

[@jrdodgeking]

Is this work for any steering box like a 83 w250 dodge

[@mige0012]

this type of steering box applies for chevy van astro 02?

[@Dino30ish]

Miguel Angel Ramirez , if its a 2wd box from what I understand is yes .. I have an astro box that I am using on my project and it is setup like the box in this video .. You can get a complete rebuild kit from Rock Auto for about 35$ with new bearings and seals so the box will be 100% when reinstalled ..

[@nate5102]

Why do you use "high temp grease" ? Don't you want the heat to break the grease down eventually?

[@hawksiamable]

Yes you want to use a oil soluble grease that will dissolve the grease when hot oil is applied the same concept is used in rebuilding differentials

[@MrRoadking8468]

Is this the same box that would be in a 2011 JKU?

[@ohsee1346]

Negative ghostrider

[@JUNKYARDGTO]

could you run straight hydrologics

[@Nothingtoya]

Justin Lara yes but most states it's illegal to drive on the road with only hydraulic steering and because if you lose your fluid, you have no steering.

[@Maxxis1941]

I don't understand the plug tap and bottom tap deal. Anyone?

[@justinschippers5444]

Isn't atf going to make your seals swell and brake

[@sseibonnevilleman]

Justin Schippers nope, ATF is just a higher grade hydraulic fluid.

[@markottinger]

It won't hurt anything its all hydraulic fluid atf has more detergents and anti-foaming agents. Toyota uses atf in there power steering systems

[@ArialStacy]

why not drill the plug spot instead of in the side

[@engineaissa8211]

thanks

[@southBAYstruts]

I think he lives in PA if he lives by Rausch Creek

[@omarwjaljubory7870]

I have jeep grand Cherokee wj Theis gear box like my car please answer to me

[@joshhagen4182]

Any one else use the restroom intermission 🤣😂💀

[@southBAYstruts]

Well thats a good reason not to have it up yet haha

[@yoosafa.p4193]

y u hols &treading i don'd know what is did?

[@bleepinjeep]

Yoosaf A.P you hook that up to a hydraulic ram to assist in steering.

[@clodbusta]

i sorta wish i had to pee...